Wednesday, August 17, 2011

SOLANOCOUNTY – Veterans who suffered serious traumatic injuries outside of combat zones may be eligible for retroactive benefits of up to $100,000 under the Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance Traumatic Injury Protection program.

All qualifying injuries that incurred between Oct. 7, 2001 and Nov. 30, 2005, regardless of where they occurred or whether the member had SGLI coverage at the time of the injury, are eligible for benefit payments under the Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance Traumatic Injury Protection program, also known as TSGLI.

“This is welcome news for the many servicemen and women who suffered serious traumatic injuries while serving stateside or in other areas outside of the current war zones,” said Ted Puntillo, director of Solano County Veteran Services Office.

The retroactive benefit is a result of the Veterans Benefit Act of 2010, which removed the requirement that the injuries during this period must have incurred in the combat zones of Operations Enduring Freedom or Iraqi Freedom.

“We at the VA appreciate the President’s and Congress’ efforts to improve benefits to our troops. Now all of our nation’s servicemembers who suffered severe traumatic injuries while serving their country can receive the same traumatic injury benefits, regardless of where their injury occurred,” stated Secretary of Veteran Affairs Eric Shinseki.

Puntillo advises all servicemembers who think they may be eligible to go to the VA website at http://www.insurance.va.gov/sgliSite/TSGLI/TSGLI.htm. Applications are currently being accepted by the Branch of Service TSGLI Offices, but benefits will not be paid until October 1, 2011.

The Solano County Department of Veteran Services is available to veterans if they require assistance in the application process. The office is located on the fourth floor of the CountyAdministrationCenter, 675 Texas St. in Fairfield.